Opposition in Ukraine try to change constitution to limit powers of President

Ukraine’s MPs are continuing crisis talks to try to change the constitution – a move aimed at curtailing the powers of President Viktor Yanukovych.

This is a key demand by the opposition, who has warned that parliament’s failure to act now will further inflame mass anti-government protests.

Pro-presidential MPs oppose the move, and the speaker has given until Wednesday morning to find a compromise.

Kiev’s decision to reject an EU deal in November triggered the protests.

The opposition is pushing for a return to the 2004 constitution, which would mean President Yanukovych losing some of the powers he has gained since his election in 2010.

The changes envisage that parliament – not the president – will be appointing the prime minister and cabinet members as well as regional governors.

There were emotional scenes earlier on Tuesday and MPs began debating the issue.

“I call on everyone to take the constitutional route and stop dictatorship,” the leader of the opposition Udar (Punch) Party and former world heavyweight boxing champion, Vitaliy Klitschko, told parliament.

“Let us reinstate the constitution that allows MPs to take decisions instead of just pushing buttons.”

Mr Klitschko also stressed that snap presidential elections were crucial to regain the trust of the people.

But the leader of President Yanukovych’s Regions Party in parliament, Oleksandr Yefremov, accused the opposition of being irresponsible.

04.02.2014
BBC